Animals: They were here first

Standing Tall

Some voices are heard louder than others. Some people stand taller. If you were in need of help, you’d want the loudest voice from the tallest person to call attention to your plight, especially if you had no voice. Such is the case for the elephants and rhinoceroses of Africa. We know their story. We don’t have to go into the heinous accounts of people killing these great creatures for their tusks.

Is there anyone who can come forward to alter this course of global greed? Yao Ming has stepped up to take on the challenge. As one of the most famous people from the most populous nation on earth, Yao Ming is lending his celebrity to stop the slaughter of these magnificent animals who have walked this earth millions of years before man. They deserve our respect.

This is not the first time that Ming has used his recognizable image to change the hearts and minds of his fellow countrymen. In 2006, Ming teamed up with WildAid and spoke out against the slaughter of sharks for the famous shark fin soup. His voice made a difference. The soup is no longer the most popular item on the menu. Sales of shark fins have dropped by 70%.

Now, Ming is out to convince China and the rest of the world to stop importing ivory. Ming has teamed up with WildAid once again, and has made a film, The End of Wild. The elephants and rhinos of Africa can take heart.

Here is an article in the Washington Post that tells more about Ming’s crusade.